nationwide. “He actually says the disease has helped our
marriage because, listening to all these stories repeated
around the world, it helps him understand where I am
coming from.”
So is she an endo warrior? “I think everybody who has
endometriosis is an inner warrior, whether they take up the
mantle or not, because we have to fight for effective treat-
ment. And I want it to be clear that this is an issue that every-
body can get behind. So in that respect I suppose, yes, you can
call me an endo warrior.” ■The UK premiere of Below the Belt is on June 8 at Everyman
Borough Yards, London SE1; belowthebelt.filmBelow Lisa Potter-Dixon, and, left, with her husband, Theoopportunity is taken away from many sufferers. Because
not only does endometriosis cause physical pain, it can
also cause fertility problems for many unfortunate women,
me included. The mocking continues with the regular
occurrence of a swollen belly that almost mimics the
appearance of someone in their third trimester. The
number of messages I regularly get on Instagram ques-
tioning or congratulating me on my “pregnancy” is
astounding — but then again there is still so much igno-
rance surrounding endometriosis.
A couple of years ago I decided that western medicine,
as remarkable as it is, could not do much more for me.
I turned to alternative practices such as acupuncture and
yoga. I also stepped up physical exercise, which has been a
game changer. Obviously I rest when I need to, but I won’t
let this condition stop me.
Although none of this has magically cured my endometri-
osis, it has made me feel so much better, stronger, fitter,
healthier and, crucially, in control. And that is my focus now,
feeling the best I can. I turn 40 this year and I have a
wonderful life. But how do I feel about my endometriosis?
Disappointed, to be honest. Disappointed that it has been
nearly 20 years since my first diagnosis and still the medical
procedures available to us are so limited. Disappointed that
I have had to go to such extremes as forced, temporary
menopause to try to (unsuccessfully) realign my body.
Disappointed that for the majority of my time on Earth
I have had to deal with monthly bouts of pain that affect me
to the extent that I cannot live a full life. I love life. And
when that gets taken away from me when my endometri-
osis strikes, I struggle to deal with it.
Unfortunately my latest operation wasn’t the roaring
success I had hoped for. I found out that my endometriosis
is worse than the doctors initially thought and could not be
removed via keyhole surgery. My ovaries, fallopian tubes
and bowels are all riddled with cysts and I will need a hyster-
ectomy to remove it. This, in turn, would put me into early
menopause. But I’ve decided to go ahead — I don’t want to
be in chronic pain any more.
I would encourage any women who feel a little off within
their own body not to ignore it, but to visit their GP. Be
persistent, because even though there is no cure as such,
getting a diagnosis can be a huge relief. Life is for living,
and anything that threatens to hinder that needs to be
investigated and managed. Endometriosis may have won
the battle but I am determined to win the war. There are
tables to be danced on, friends to be hugged, planes to be
boarded and adventures to be had. ■Endometriosis is often described
as a silent disease, and with good
reason: the number of times I have
had to explain what it is to my friends
and family are countless. I usually
go with “the bastard disease” before
explaining the ins and outs of what
this condition has done to my body.
It took 10 painful years before I was
diagnosed. And when I say painful,
I mean I was suffering from a debili-
tating, excruciating, life-restricting
kind of pain. I started my periods at
the age of 11. It was during my first month of secondary
school, an overwhelming time for anyone, so I didn’t realise
that this new, foreign pain that riddled my body was anything
unusual. However, by the age of 15 I had been rushed to
hospital eight times.
It was another six years — 72 painful months — until
I was diagnosed via laparoscopy at the age of 21. This is
where a fibre optic instrument is inserted through the
abdominal wall to view the abdomen. Any endometriosis
visible is removed, until it grows back — because, in the
majority of cases, it always grows back. I am currently recov-
ering after having had my sixth operation.
These monthly attacks aren’t just period pains. It’s what
I can only explain as the closest thing to labour I will ever
experience. Which is ironic, really, considering thatThe celebrity make-up artist
Lisa Potter-Dixon has been living with
endometriosis for more than 20 years.
Now she’s had enough – and at
39 has decided to have a hysterectomy
‘I don’t want
pain to stop me
enjoying life’
The Sunday Times Style • 23